The project to deliver a fleet of the zero-emission taxis to the streets of London in time for the 2012 Olympic Games is on track, with the first Fuel Cell Black Cabs covering a combined total of more than 8000 miles (12 800 km) in road and test track testing conditions.

During its first tour of London’s roads, one of the Fuel Cell Black Cabs excelled in rush-hour traffic, with smooth and responsive acceleration provided by the Intelligent Energy fuel cell and electric motors.

The fuel cell-battery powered hybrid taxi provides a 250 mile (400 km) driving range with rapid refueling, all within the body of a conventional London taxi. Now that fully functional, validated, proven vehicles have been produced, the consortium plans to push ahead with the delivery of a fleet to London for 2012.

Boris Johnson, Mayor of London, wants to make the UK a leader in fuel cell technology, and has already announced plans to increase the number of hydrogen fueling stations around the capital.